The ADHD content economy: How algorithms and incentives turn help into grift | Hyperfocus episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 5, 2026 · 41 MIN

The ADHD content economy: How algorithms and incentives turn help into grift | Hyperfocus

from MissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women Channel · host Understood.org

The ADHD internet is crowded — and not all content is created equal. From unlicensed coaches to miracle cures and viral “hacks,” misinformation spreads fast and wide.The problem is that many prominent voices have little to no formal training. And algorithmic incentives encourage creators to bait their audience.Cate Osborn, known online as @catieosaurus, joins Hyperfocus to explain how the ADHD content economy works. She looks at why grifting thrives and how power, profit, and trust in online mental health spaces affect our understanding of ADHD.For more on this topic:  Read: What is an ADHD coach?Read: 50% of mental health TikToks contain misinformation (The Guardian)More on Cate: Cate’s book, tour dates, and podcastFor a transcript and more resources, visit Hyperfocus on Understood.org. You can also email us at [email protected]. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The ADHD internet is crowded — and not all content is created equal. From unlicensed coaches to miracle cures and viral “hacks,” misinformation spreads fast and wide. The problem is that many prominent voices have little to no formal training. And algorithmic incentives encourage creators to bait their audience. Cate Osborn, known online as @catieosaurus, joins Hyperfocus to explain how the ADHD content economy works. She looks at why grifting thrives and how power, profit, and trust in online mental health spaces affect our understanding of ADHD.

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The ADHD content economy: How algorithms and incentives turn help into grift | Hyperfocus

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The ADHD internet is crowded — and not all content is created equal. From unlicensed coaches to miracle cures and viral “hacks,” misinformation spreads fast and wide.The problem is that many prominent voices have little to no formal training. And...

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